Procurement Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, is a global leader in agricultural research and development. Established in 1966, CIMMYT operates in over 50 countries and employs more than 1,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to improving the livelihoods of farmers and ensuring security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security through innovative research and sustainable agricultural practices. CIMMYT's mission is to develop and promote improved maize and wheat varieties, enhance crop management practices, and support policies that foster agricultural development.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Specialist will play a crucial role in managing sourcing, purchasing, and supplier management activities across various operational categories. This position is responsible for leading supplier selection processes, conducting commercial negotiations, managing purchase orders, and ensuring the timely delivery of goods and services while adhering to organizational policies. The ideal candidate will possess strong procurement expertise, analytical thinking, and excellent stakeholder management skills to support efficient and cost-effective operations. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying and developing new suppliers, as well as maintaining effective communication with internal clients and partners to ensure a smooth procurement process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Specialist will conduct sourcing and evaluation of qualified local and international providers for assigned procurement categories, applying market knowledge, supplier performance history, and procurement best practices to support informed purchasing decisions. Specific duties include managing competitive bidding and tendering processes, preparing solicitation documents, conducting commercial evaluations of proposals, and recommending suppliers. The specialist will establish effective communication and collaboration processes with internal clients, suppliers, and partner units to ensure efficient completion of the procurement process. Additionally, the role involves leading commercial negotiations with suppliers, securing optimal pricing, delivery conditions, service levels, and contractual terms while ensuring compliance with institutional policies. The specialist will also create purchase orders in the Institutional ERP system, support monthly and annual closing of POs, follow up on delivery of ordered goods and services, coordinate with IMPEX specialists on imported items, and maintain knowledge of assigned supplier markets to identify opportunities for improvement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Business Administration, Finance, or Logistics. A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, sourcing, purchasing, or supply chain functions is required, including experience with competitive bidding processes and supplier negotiations. Proficiency in MS Office at an advanced level is essential, along with an advanced level of English (both written and conversational). Candidates will be tested on their English proficiency and must score a minimum of B2 on the CEFR scale. The selected candidate should exhibit competencies such as organization, critical thinking, teamwork, client orientation, problem-solving, decision-making, negotiation, and conflict resolution. Knowledge of insurance matters will be considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Business Administration, Finance, or Logistics is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding procurement processes, supplier management, and financial considerations in purchasing decisions.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, sourcing, purchasing, or supply chain functions. This experience should include familiarity with competitive bidding processes and supplier negotiations, demonstrating the candidate's ability to manage complex procurement activities effectively.

Languages:
An advanced level of English is mandatory for this position, both written and conversational. Candidates will be assessed on their English proficiency, with a minimum requirement of B2 on the CEFR scale. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package and support for continuous professional development. In addition to the provisions of Mexican Labor Law, the benefits package includes a year-end bonus equivalent to 40 days of salary, a vacation premium of 56%, life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, a savings fund, and social benefits under Mexican law (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit). It is important to note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted, and foreign national candidates must possess legal documents to work in Mexico. This position will remain open until filled, and CIMMYT is committed to fostering a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.